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School's out, and summer is finally here! While you're soaking up the sun and having fun, don't forget to take care of your smile. Here are some easy tips to maintain healthy and strong teeth throughout the summer, whether you have orthodontic treatment or not!

1. Brush and Floss Like You Mean It

Just because you're on summer break doesn't mean you get a break from brushing and flossing. Keep up your regular routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. And don't forget to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles get frayed. Choose soft bristles. If you are a braces patient at Hester & Morris Orthodontics, then you know how much we prioritize brushing your teeth!

2. Choose Summer Snacks Wisely

Summer means BBQs, picnics, the pool, and lots of yummy treats. But some of your favorite snacks can be tough on your teeth. Even for Invisalign patients. Try to limit sugary drinks and snacks, and opt for healthier choices like fruits, veggies, and cheese instead. And if you do indulge, make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward. Our braces patients can find a list of foods they should be avoiding here.

3. Don't Use Your Teeth as Tools

It can be tempting to use your teeth to open packages or loosen bottle caps, but this can put a lot of pressure on your teeth and even cause them to crack. Instead, try a small pair of scissors or a bottle opener with you.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is good for your whole body, including your mouth. Staying hydrated helps keep your mouth moist and wash away any lingering food bits. Aim to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water a day.

5. Don't Forget Your Check-Up

Even though it's summer, it's still important to see your dentist for a regular check-up. A lot of time parents try to schedule these appointments because you're out of school. They can catch any small problems before they become big issues. Plus, a professional cleaning will leave your smile feeling squeaky clean!

6. Wear a Mouthguard if You Play Sports

If you play sports such as soccer, go hiking, or engage in a pick-up game of basketball, always remember to wear a mouthguard. This will protect your teeth from getting chipped or knocked out in case of a fall. Additionally, it's crucial to take all necessary precautions when using ATV equipment. We have seen too many patients in our office following accidents. Stay safe!

By following these simple tips, you can keep your smile healthy and strong all summer long.

Tell us in the comments what fun things you have planned for summer! Happy smiling!

Invisalign is a popular and effective clear aligner system used for orthodontic treatment among teenagers and adults. Hester and Morris Orthodontics has a long-standing partnership with Invisalign and has witnessed the evolution of its technology over the years to create an excellent alternative to traditional braces. Dr. J Gregory Morris, the leading Invisalign expert in the area, is among the top 1% of all Invisalign Providers. When it comes to your Invisalign smile, Dr. Morris really knows his stuff!

 However, many myths surrounding it often deter people from considering it. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common Invisalign myths and highlight the truths supported by recent information and our experiences in the office.

Myth 1: Invisalign Only Treats Minor Alignment Issues

This is not true. Invisalign can correct many orthodontic issues, including complex bite problems. Advanced technology and customized aligners allow for treating cases that were once only manageable by traditional braces.

Myth 2: Invisalign is More Expensive Than Traditional Braces

This is depending on who your provider is. The upfront cost may be higher in some places because of lab fees, but the overall treatment cost is often comparable to traditional braces. The final price varies depending on individual treatment plans and the case's complexity. AT Hester and Morris Orthodontics Invisalign costs are often less than those with braces. Check out more about our financial information on our website.

Myth 3: Invisalign Treatment Takes Longer

Studies have shown that treatment with Invisalign can be completed up to 30% faster than treatment with fixed braces, debunking the misconception that Invisalign takes longer to achieve desired results.

Myth 4: Invisalign Aligners are Uncomfortable

Invisalign aligners are designed for comfort. They are made from a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, engineered explicitly for the Invisalign system. While any orthodontic treatment can cause discomfort due to tooth movement, Invisalign aligners are more comfortable to wear.

Myth 5: Invisalign is Not as Effective as Metal Braces

Invisalign's effectiveness is comparable to traditional braces for most cases. With advancements in technology and aligner design, Invisalign can now treat complex orthodontic issues effectively.

Facts about Invisalign

- Invisalign has been around for over two decades and has treated over 16 million patients.

- The SmartTrack material used for Invisalign aligners is a medical-grade thermoplastic, ensuring safety and comfort for the wearer.

- Invisalign aligners must be worn for the recommended number of hours per day but can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning, which is a significant advantage over traditional braces.

- The biggest takeaway on whether Invisalign is right for you is if you can commit to wearing your aligners. Compliance is the key to success with Invisalign. Simply put, it won’t work if you don't wear it!

- Not all Invisalign treatment is the same. The quality of your smile results is based on your compliance and the experience of your provider. We recommend Invisalign treatment by an orthodontist over a general family dentist. Orthodontists undergo an additional 2-3 years of residency training and focus solely on diagnosing and treating moving teeth and aligning jaws. This makes them smile specialists.

Getting orthodontic treatment can be a big decision, but Invisalign is a great option that can help address various tooth alignment and bite issues. Don't let common myths and misconceptions keep you from exploring this versatile and effective treatment option. Always consult with an orthodontist to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. We're here to help, so don't hesitate to reach out and get the smile you deserve!

Invisalign has revolutionized the world of orthodontics by offering a clear, comfortable, and removable alternative to traditional braces. We have seen over 3,400 smiles improve at Hester and Morris Orthodontics thanks to Invisalign. However, the success of Invisalign treatment is highly dependent on patient compliance. Wearing the aligners for the recommended time is crucial to achieving the desired results efficiently and effectively.

The standard guideline suggests that Invisalign aligners should be worn for 22 to 23 hours daily. This allows the necessary forces to act on the teeth to guide them into their new positions. Failing to adhere to this rule can prolong treatment time and lead to less-than-optimal results. The better the patient wears their aligners, the better the result!

Ensuring good habits and avoiding behaviors that may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment are also essential. Patients are advised to minimize excessive snacking, as it requires removing the aligners more frequently, which can reduce wear time. Additionally, it's essential to stay on track with orthodontist visits and aligner changes to ensure the treatment progresses as planned.

Invisalign treatment is popular for correcting misaligned teeth, poor bite alignment, and gaps between teeth. However, it is not suitable for everyone. If your child or teen is against the idea of wearing aligners at the start, it's unlikely they will put forth the effort needed in compliance.

In conclusion, while Invisalign offers a more aesthetic and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, it requires a high level of patient compliance to be successful. Following the recommended guidelines and maintaining good oral habits, patients can achieve their dream smiles with Invisalign. Our orthodontic team would love to answer all of your questions you may have about Invisalign. Call us or email us for more information!

Welcome to the journey of transforming your smile with Invisalign, the modern approach to teeth straightening that has revolutionized the smile world.

Invisalign aligners promise a less visible, more comfortable path to achieving the amazing, confident smile you've always desired. But even with its ease and convenience, there are certain pitfalls you'll want to avoid to ensure your treatment is a success.

In this post, we'll guide you through the Invisalign don'ts—a list of common missteps that could hinder your progress or compromise the effectiveness of your aligners. From dietary choices to oral hygiene habits, we're here to help you navigate the do's and don'ts of your Invisalign journey. So buckle up, and let's dive into the crucial tips that will keep your smile transformation on track!

• Don't NOT wear your aligners. This seems pretty basic, but it can be the most significant barrier between a patient and their finished smile. Dr. Morris recommends that Invisalign patients wear their aligners full-time, taking them out only when eating and brushing their teeth. If you forget to put your aligners in after snacks and meals, try setting an alarm on your phone!

• Don't put your aligners in a napkin, EVER! You think your aligners are safe and won't get thrown away, but trust us, we see it all too often where patients have lost aligners. Or maybe a good-meaning parent cleans up and unknowingly tosses the aligners in the trash. The best place for your Invisalign is either in your mouth or in the case. Maybe consider a backup case so you are never without one! Check out these fun styles you can choose from here.

• Don't leave your Invisalign near your pets. Seriously! Animals are attracted to the scent of your saliva. Cats will love to hide those aligners and bat them around for fun, and dogs often chew them up! Keep your aligners out of reach.

• Don't boil your aligners to clean them. Cleaning your Invisalign is essential. The Hester and Morris team recommends daily cleaning of your aligners to keep bacteria away. This can be done very simply and easily with your toothbrush and toothpaste. Invisalign also sells Cleaning Crystals that can help with a deeper clean. Always use warm, but not too hot, water. Very hot or boiling water can warp the special plastic of your aligner and cause it to not fit correctly.

• Don't drink while wearing aligners. Water is okay! But as tempting as that coffee all-morning feeling is, it's not all that great a choice while wearing your Invisalign. Take out aligners to enjoy sugary drinks, as that liquid getting trapped in your aligners can cause tooth decay. You can also use a straw if you're not in a situation to be able to remove your aligners.

Hester and Morris Orthodontics is the top provider of Invisalign in Valdosta and all of South Georgia. We have the experience and smile results to show why we are this area's Invisalign expert! Come change your smile, and your life, with us! You'll be glad you did!